The History of Blue Roses

Overview

Some observers compare the romanticized search the world over for the blue rose to the quest for the Holy Grail. So ardent were various gardening groups to seek and find a blue rose that in the 1840s, horticultural societies in Britain and Belgium offered a substantial cash award to the person or persons who produced the first blue rose. It would be decades before their wish would come true.

Applause

In 1990, Suntory Limited of Japan and Florigene Limited of Australia formed a joint venture in their quest to create the world's first real blue rose. Until then, no natural blue rose had existed because of the rose flower's lack of blue pigment. The joint venture achieved its goal in 2004, with the development through biotechnology of the first blue rose, Applause. The following year, there was further distinction for the venture with the introduction of a blue carnation named Moondust. In 2008, the Suntory-Florigene blue rose was formally approved as a cut flower under Cartagena Law.

Mauve?

Not everyone who has seen the blue rose Applause has been impressed. One reviewer likened its color to "wishy-washy mauve" rather than the "bluish-tinge reminiscent of the sky just after dawn." Available for sale in November 2009, Applause blue roses have, nevertheless, made history by virtue of being the first of their kind. Judge for yourself.

True Blue

Until the creation of the first true blue rose, the color blue could be achieved by dyeing white roses, or by cultivating hybrids, which can also result in roses of different shades of blue. Through the years, the world has not actually been without blue roses, just not real blue roses, now made possible by genetic engineering.

Blue Moon

Before Applause blue roses took the stage, there were Blue Moon roses. The Blue Moon rose was introduced in 1965. It's a hybrid tea rose with a scent of sweet tea. However, its color is more lilac than true blue. Its long stems are graced by blooms about 4 inches in diameter, and it is ideal for flower arrangements.

Associations

The blue rose has a history of associations. Blue roses are connected with royalty, as in royal blue, for example. They also are known as roses of enchantment and "love at first sight," perhaps because of their striking color. Because of the lengthy quest to create a real blue rose, they also are symbols of "the impossible dream," perhaps more so than ever now, since the realization of that dream.